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Again, many thanks to everyone who posted & replied . . I'm not known to 'open-up' and speak about 'stuff' which [we] men prob should talk about - I guess its a fear of not being seen to be strong.
I must admit that I'm shocked at the thought that this silent killer COULD affect 1 in 2 of us and have made an appointment with the Doc [got to wait a week though as he's fully booked up till then] . . I also hope that any available treatment is not on a 'postcode' basis. We're off around the world middle of Feb to visit & stay with relations & family in Singapore, Australia, USA & Canada [stopping off in Hawaii on the way ], I guess that this will be on my mind for the 3 months we're away . . I'm going to try Keith's [Blackbirdbiker] advice and stuff my mouth with garlic [although I doubt if next door would be very pleased if I tested the distance/height flow over their fence
I appreciate your responses & openness. Thanks also to Chris [christopherobin] for his post and my best wishes go to him.
vic
______________________________________________________________ * As far as I know the info I post is correct - but to be on the safe side you are advised that (a) I´m not always correct and (b) I´m not always correct
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I'm a little disturbed at the references to sexual innuendo in some of the posts.
Guilty as charged, m'lud
The problem, as I understand if from my medical friends, is that men find it incredibly difficult to talk about their 'waterworks' to anybody. The ladies have no problem discussing sensitive topics.
If you can help fellow males get over their embarrassment, by any means available, then awareness and longevity will be served.
My old boss at the BBC got prostrate cancer and had to go to Seattle for a revolutionary treatment. It was successful, and he celebrated by conducting a charity performance of Verdi's Requiem at the Royal Albert Hall, profits going to prostate cancer research. It was the first time he had ever conducted anything larger than his college choir, I understand.
When I was discovered with an elevated PSA, it was his example that had sent me to the doctor. Once over the embarrassment, the process was quick, smooth and reassuring.
Go for it, chaps!
Dr (musical, not medical) Roy
P.S. If you really want a laugh over prostate problems, see if you can find Billy Connolly's sketch - my doctor thinks it is hilarious and will disarm any residual worries about discussing 'down there' with your quack.
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Don't take offence, none was intended and I understand why you tried to inject some humour. I've seen Billy do that prostate sketch live and it's absolutely hilarious.
You'll now all see that this post has been moved (again!) to the new "Health & Fitness" forum so there's yet another improvement to MHF by popular demand. No-one can say that members needs aren't taken note of around here.
Vic
If you can see your doctor in the next week he should be able to get you a blood test and examination done within a couple of weeks. With a bit of luck that'll mean you can get off on holiday reassured that things are under control.
Well done to all you guys out there who have contributed to this thread. I too have had raised PSA and two biopsies, not pleasant but necessary. Nothing too nasty found except an enlarged benign prostate.
I recently had a small op, not connected, for which I was given an anaesthetic in my lower stomach, this caused a side effect whereby my enlarged prostate went into spasm resulting in no ability to pass urine.
The result was a catheter (and you thought the digital exam was bad) and three nights in hospital.
Tomorrow I am going in for a' flow' test, however I am fine now and do not anticipate any problems.
Men really must not worry about going to the doctor's for prostate tests even though the PSA is not a very accurate indicator it is all there is at present.
I believe that the majority of men over the age of sixty will have some form of prostate problem and that most will be able to live with it one way or another although a number will not, sadly.
Good luck chaps and good health.
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My doc said that most men will have prostate cancer, and mostly as it's very slow in developing it need not be operated on, just keep an eye on it.
He also said we are more than likely to die with it rather that because of it
Hope he's right
Keith.
______________________________________________________________ I´m more like I am now, than when I was 30
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I contributed to this thread a few days ago but have encountered a problem that I hadn't thought about.
As a direct result of my diagnoses in January 2007, I decided to sell my business and the plan is to travel as much as we can with the Motorhome.
We have several trips arranged for this year but yesterday I spoke to our travel insurance provider. They requested that I contact the medical screening team who advised me that I will not be covered for any problems relating to the prostate cancer.
As mentioned previously I have had radiotherapy treatment and now receive every 3 months a hormone implant and a six monthly check at the hospital. At the moment the situation is stable with a low PSA reading.
I have contacted other insurance companies and have been given the same information.
The only company to give me a quote was Saga but this was very expensive and would only provide cover for a single trip.
So my question to all you knowledgeable people is, do you know an insurance company that will give cover with a pre existing medical condition and not limit the number of days away from the UK?
I do hope so, any information would be appreciated.
Steve
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We had the same problem with Viv's condition, i checked with our insurers, and the cover is only limited on the specific medical condition. So basically, if you have a trip booked & you have to cancel due to a broken leg or something similar, you would be covered; however, if you have to cancel due to after effects of the treatment etc, you wouldn't be covered.
Give the insurers a call & ask to speak to an underwirter, or somebody with some knowledge ( - not just a bloke who answers the phone in a call centre). I doubt whether you'd get cover to include the existing condition.
______________________________________________________________ Still sat at my desk, not at the wheel of the motorhome
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Thanks for the reply and yes you are correct I will be covered apart from the prostate problem or associated problems.
This afternoon I have spoken to The Caravan Club and the medical screening team who say they will give me full cover for Europian single trips of 60 days.
I should receive written conformation in the post, so hopefully at least I have the option up to 60 days.
That is of course unless someone knows different.
I also read your recent posting and I have a little idea of how you both feel, my very best wishes to you both as it does change your outlook on life.
I am sure you will get just that little bit more pleasure out of your travels this year. Enjoy them.
Steve
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], I guess that this will be on my mind for the 3 months we're away . . I'm going to try Keith's [Blackbirdbiker] advice and stuff my mouth with garlic [although I doubt if next door would be very pleased if I tested the distance/height flow over their fence 
.
- not just a bloke who answers the phone in a call centre). I doubt whether you'd get cover to include the existing condition.
